Timber Guilds Value Measures Announced by the Government for Economic Reactivation

From Futuro Madera, the measures announced by the Government to confront the economic emergency and recover the country's dynamism are valued. The focus on reconstruction, the reactivation of construction, formal employment, and streamlining investment constitutes a positive and necessary signal to restore confidence in productive activity.

For the forestry and timber sector, this agenda opens a concrete opportunity for nationwide reactivation. The use of timber and biomass is not only a response to the crisis but also a path toward sustainable energy security, a circular bioeconomy, and a regional economy more resilient to rising fossil fuel costs.

In this context, the push for building and public infrastructure should translate into greater demand for timber solutions across the entire territory. It is a material that offers speed, efficiency, and a high capacity to mobilize regional employment, from Maule to the south of the country.

It is expected that this agenda will advance promptly and be complemented with specific measures that promote the use of timber in housing, public infrastructure, and reconstruction processes, especially strengthening timber SMEs, which are key for regional development.

In line with this, an urgent and cross-cutting call is made to senators and deputies to support and expedite this bill.

As a sector, the following pillars of the agenda, which directly impact the activity and well-being of the communities where the industry operates, are highlighted and endorsed:

1. Reconstruction with a national and industrialized vision

The expansion of the Emergency Fund to Ñuble and Biobío, with an additional $400 billion, is valued. However, it is emphasized that the capacity for timber production and industrialized construction exists throughout the south-central part of Chile. Regions like Maule and other forestry areas still face the aftermath of past crises and closure processes that require attention.

Timber, as a sustainable material and key for decarbonization, should become a standard for housing and public infrastructure across the entire country, and not only in areas affected by disasters.

2. Boost to construction and formal employment

The 12-month VAT exemption for new housing is considered necessary relief for the current stock. However, it is cautioned that, being a temporary measure, its effect could be limited. It is proposed to evaluate its permanence or an extension of the term to allow for effective housing planning, avoiding an "aspirin effect" that merely postpones the construction sector's crisis.

Likewise, the reimbursement of expenses for the cancellation of an RCA is recognized as a relevant advance, as it provides greater certainty and prevents strategic investment projects from being delayed due to bureaucracy or legal uncertainty.

3. Incentive for hiring and employment protection

The creation of a tax credit for remunerations between 7.8 and 12 UTM is valued as a direct relief measure that will help reduce hiring costs. However, it is considered essential to extend this benefit to timber SMEs. For sawmills and service providers, this incentive is key for survival, regional stability, and the generation of new jobs.

Chile and its forestry regions require clear rules, efficient institutions, and political signals that provide stability to resume the path of growth. It is considered imperative that this agenda advances rapidly, especially strengthening timber SMEs, the engine of regional development and the livelihood of thousands of families in the south-central part of the country.